Dealing with travel chaos before you even jet-off
Holidays are back! But before you rush to book some much-missed time in the sun, there’s a whole new range of things to be aware of since the last time you jetted off abroad. Here’s what to watch out for:
Voucher fails
Though complaints about refunds dominated the last few years, vast numbers of people accepted vouchers in lieu of travel, assuming they’d be able to get away soon.
The majority of the airlines extended their vouchers deadlines to allow for the fact holidays weren’t ‘bookable’ – but be warned, those vouchers may be just about to expire. In many cases, people have reported vouchers expiring without a clear reminder from an airline or holiday firm.
Before you book, log on and locate the vouchers, find out how to use them and when in the booking process this occurs – and ask about any other quirks. I recently discovered one major airline only allows you to use one voucher per booking – and if you try to book separate flights, it will only let you book in the currency the voucher is in.
Covid cancellations
Restrictions may have ended in the UK, but Covid rules still apply in many countries; some are still effectively closed to holiday makers, so check before you book.
The rise of the highly contagious Omicron variant means Covid can not only ruin holiday plans at the last minute, it can drastically reduce numbers of airline staff, airport security and baggage handlers. That’s why it doesn’t hurt to ask in advance if you can get a refund or new date if your holiday can’t take place. Check with the hotel or apartment too in case you need to shift your dates.
Airport queues and airline cancellations
Pre-pandemic, complaints about flight delays and cancellations regularly topped Resolver’s ‘most complained about’ lists, with hundreds of thousands of complaints. Though the Government has announced that post-brexit, some changes may be made to the rules, for now, they are more or less the same. I have an all-new guide at news.resolver.co. uk/resolver-guide-flight-delayscancellations/
The key issue is when you might get compensation. As a general rule, if your airline could have anticipated the problem then they usually have to compensate. That includes technical problems – or even staff going on strike. If the situation is out of their control, like air traffic control strikes, then you probably won’t.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen airport chaos where people couldn’t get through security or check in due to massive queues. We’ll have to see how airlines handle this, because in theory the situation is the responsibility of the airport. Most airlines seem to be allowing people to re-book but make some noise (nicely) if you’re waiting in line and running out of time.
Oh, and don’t forget the old rules about liquids still apply. Hand luggage searches are increasing dramatically as people forget what they can and can’t pack.
Price rises are back
Over lockdown, many of the annoying extra costs that airlines and holiday firms could apply were suspended. But many are back – so look before you book.
By far the biggest source of teeth gnashing is the cost for changing a booking, from moving it forward to correcting typos. Unfortunately, airlines can charge these fees, which means you need to be absolutely sure about your dates and details before you book.
Airlines learned before the pandemic that people pushing the cabin bag limits were costing them time and money due to problems getting everyone on the plane and items in the overhead lockers.
Restrictions on bag size and weight are much stricter now so get that tape measure out or face a hefty charge at check in. Watch for ever increasing charges for seats too, with some legroom options pushing £50.
■ Get help with travel traumas for free at resolvergroup.com